A commissioner revealed that the Department of Consumer Affairs has been at the forefront of tackling benefits card fraud. In collaboration with the prosecutor’s office, the department has pursued fraud prevention strategies, focusing on the skimming of benefits cards. The swift action by the weights and measures department to acquire updated equipment was highlighted as a critical step in mitigating these fraudulent activities. The department’s efforts aim to implement new technology to prevent future occurrences.

Public safety was a prominent theme at the meeting, underscored by the approval of a resolution that facilitates ongoing training for county employees in operating emergency radios. This initiative is intended to bolster safety measures within the community. A commissioner expressed dedication to maintaining public safety standards while responsibly managing county tax dollars, emphasizing the county’s role in safeguarding these funds.

The meeting also addressed the financial challenges faced by the Board of Health, which is currently experiencing a shortfall of approximately $2 million due to state budget cuts. Efforts are underway to manage this deficit without financial repercussions. The board plans to collaborate with state representatives to review the budget and adapt to the evolving financial landscape.

In other discussions, a commissioner praised the community response to recent wildfires in Millville and Vineland, acknowledging the efforts of first responders in controlling the fires and supporting displaced residents. The commissioner expressed pride in the collective response and highlighted the community’s resilience.

A separate initiative focused on improving public transportation within Cumberland County, with the goal of enhancing accessibility for residents in rural areas. A commissioner reported attending a transportation conference and emphasized the need for a fixed routing system that could facilitate access to job opportunities. The county aims to collaborate with experts from other regions to design this transit system, with the potential for state and federal funding to support the project. The initiative seeks to dispel the perception that the county’s public transit system caters exclusively to seniors, highlighting its availability to the general public.

A commissioner voiced frustration over unresolved issues stemming from governance transitions, stressing the importance of maintaining updated records and following up on previously reported matters. The need to keep engineering projects on track was identified as a priority.

In public comments, resident Nancy Richway raised concerns about legal expenditures related to a settlement and questioned the necessity of a $10,000 fee for legal assistance in handling an open public records act request. The county’s explanation cited ongoing litigation as justification for the legal costs, with a reported expenditure of $33,990 to date.

Richway also expressed frustration with the county’s handling of taxpayer funds and alleged negligence by the engineering department regarding water diversion issues affecting her property. She urged the board to ensure accountability within the engineering and public works departments, highlighting a long-standing problem with flooding linked to prior engineering decisions.

The meeting concluded with a discussion of various community engagement initiatives, including a volunteer phone call program operated by Contact Cape Atlantic. Aimed at providing companionship to homebound individuals, the program seeks to bridge the gap of social isolation, offering support and additional services if needed.